Pulse nightclub fire trial: Defendant's detention expires October 3

Pulse nightclub fire Kočani tragedy Dejan Jovanov North Macedonia court criminal trial

The trial regarding the Pulse nightclub fire in Kočani, which killed 63 people and injured over 200 on March 16, 2025, continues with significant developments. To date, 49 hearings have been held without postponement. The prosecution has presented 1,390 pieces of material evidence and questioned 45 witnesses and five experts. The defense is set to begin presenting its evidence on October 1, calling a total of 244 witnesses.

As the legal detention of the primary defendant, Dejan Jovanov-Deko, is set to expire on October 3, his defense has proposed a real estate guarantee worth approximately 200,000 euros to ensure his presence at future hearings. The court is currently awaiting a response from the Public Prosecutor's Office regarding this proposal.

During a recent hearing, a construction expert testified that the building's structure did not pose a risk of fire spreading to neighboring properties. However, the proceedings were interrupted when Jovanov requested medical assistance, citing back and chest pain. Additionally, a new investigation has been opened by the anti-corruption prosecutor, with a request for Jovanov's re-detention under this new case.

Entities

Basic Criminal Court Skopje · DNA · Daniela Dimovska · Dejan Jovanov · Dejan Jovanov-Deko · Dijana Gruevska-Ilievska · Kočani · Pulse nightclub

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The anti-corruption prosecutor has opened a new investigation and requested the detention of Dejan Jovanov.
[● 6 SOURCES] The defense has called 244 witnesses. makpress.mk · lider.mk · www.brif.mk · lokalno.mk · press24.mk · +1 more
[DISPUTED] The hearing was interrupted because the defendant, Dejan Jovanov, requested medical assistance due to back and chest pain. nezavisen.mk · novamakedonija.com.mk
[● 6 SOURCES] The prosecution has presented 1,390 pieces of material evidence. makpress.mk · lider.mk · www.brif.mk · lokalno.mk · press24.mk · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kočani on March 16, 2025, killed 63 people. makpress.mk · lider.mk · www.brif.mk · lokalno.mk · press24.mk · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The legal detention of the first defendant, Dejan Jovanov-Deko, expires on October 3. makpress.mk · lider.mk · www.brif.mk · lokalno.mk · press24.mk · +1 more
[● 2 SOURCES] A construction expert testified that the building's structure did not pose a risk of fire spreading to neighboring buildings. nezavisen.mk · novamakedonija.com.mk
[● 6 SOURCES] The defense has proposed a real estate guarantee worth nearly 200,000 euros. makpress.mk · lider.mk · www.brif.mk · lokalno.mk · press24.mk · +1 more